Munich. BMW launched a new international campaign focused on design in Germany last weekend. The integrated global campaign highlights the dynamism of BMW design and features a TV commercial that portrays the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé in a highly dynamic way, using a surprising visual effect that is revealed at the end of the spot. Design and dynamics are also the focus of the print campaign. Ropes are used in the image to create the motion blur effect normally seen in real driving shots. Internet users have also been able to view a special online presentation on design at: www.bmw.com/design since November 2012. Videos, animations and a historical timeline provide insights into the design process, history and vision of BMW design. The online special also features a downloadable "AD Essence" app for the iPad and Android tablets. The new special edition app was launched by Architectural Digest magazine in conjunction with BMW Group Design. The campaign starts today on the German website, www.bmw.de.

The dynamic nature of BMW design is the topic of the new global campaign, which will be launched worldwide in the first quarter of 2013. “Our products promise sheer driving pleasure. But the anticipation of what can be experienced with a BMW, begins at first sight. The new campaign showcases the dynamics of design in a surprisingly different way,” explains Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, head of BMW Brand Communications.

The campaign was created in close cooperation with BMW Design. Karim Habib, head of BMW Design: “The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé has its own character within the BMW family and combines all that BMW stands for: dynamic performance, sportiness and elegance. Clear lines and distinctively sculpted surfaces express this dynamism and motion even when the car is standing still.”

In the TV spot produced by Hollywood director Samuel Bayer, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé is seen in dynamic motion. Acceleration, braking, taking fast corners – pure driving pleasure. However, this is all just a surprising visual effect produced with tracking shots – the car is actually parked on a platform throughout the whole spot. www.bmw.com/4seriesconcept, www.bmw.com/4erconcept

The print campaign is based on the same idea: At first glance, Uwe Düttmann’s photographs resemble high-speed-driving shots. However, a closer look reveals that the motion blur of the surroundings is simulated by ropes. With more than 3,500 metres of ropes around the vehicles, it was possible to give the image a dynamic feel, even though the vehicle remains stationary.

In Germany, the campaign will also be presented online and through social media channels. Online banner ads and animations will develop the idea of the print campaign and TV spot, and also work with the effect of a dynamic moving car. A central landing page on www.bmw.de features information on the vehicles shown, as well as background on the TV commercial and a prize game. Visitors to BMW Germany’s Facebook page can also win a new BMW Z4 for a three-month period. In parallel, the campaign will also be presented in more detail through the brand’s YouTube channel and BMW’s own www.bmw-tv.de channel with a special on the subject of design.

The campaign will run for several weeks, starting in Germany in mid-February, in print, TV, online, social media and out-of-home advertising. Johannes Seibert, head of Marketing BMW Germany: “The new BMW campaign will play a key role in Germany in 2013. The design of our products is the most important purchase reason for the majority of BMW customers. This campaign highlights an extremely relevant and positive image factor for the BMW brand.” The print ads feature various BMW models. Besides the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé, a further focus is the new BMW Z4, which will be launched across Germany at BMW partners on 16 March.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept Ad Spot

Translation: "Sheer Driving Pleasure - When does it begin? When the engine starts and you feel the power? When you accelerate and leave straights, corners and everything else behind you? No - it begins at first sight. Designed for Driving Pleasure."

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP!Jimmy Bach: jbach@stevethomasbmw.com - Cell:805-807-1989
If you have any issues getting a hold of Jimmy B PLEASE PM me, I'm available everyday till 545pm!

I don't know why everyone is on BMW for these ads. The Concept might not be the production car but these ads are strictly used to put the new 4-Series name out there nothing more so I don't see why people are mocking the ads like using "Unavailable".

I mean these ads are playful in a sense where BMW is marketing something that isn't final or available but I'm sure once the production 4-Series is revealed, we'll see actually see "real" ads that represent the 4-Series in a more appropriate manner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328inGE

Is it normal to have so much advertisement of a concept car? makes me wonder how close this really is to the production car.

I don't think the accuracy of how close the concept is to the final is relevant in these ads. While most would be happy if the final car did look like the concept, BMW just wants to have the 4-Series name out there because I don't see it being effective if BMW decided to only start marketing the 4-Series only when the reveal is made.

They gotta put a lotta hype so people will get excited for paying a lot more for what used to be the 3 series coupe but now will just be known as the 4 series.

That is exactly what I think too. I will not be surprised to see the gap between the 3 base price and the 4 base price to be similar in size to the gap between 5s and 6s. I will, however, be disappointed if that's what comes to be the case.